A HIGH Court judge has said she is bemused by claims by a Limerick criminal that he is being denied classes in Arabic and Turkish while in prison.

Details of the request made by Wayne Dundon emerged during an action he is taking against a decision by authorities to isolate him from the mainstream prison population.

The hearing was adjourned yesterday after talks failed to resolve the dispute.

Ms Justice Maureen Clark, who was hearing the application, said she was bemused by some of Dundon's claims, including that he wished to be provided with educational facilities to learn languages such as Arabic and Turkish.

Dundon claims he is denied access to educational and training facilities in Cloverhill Prison in Dublin and that he has had restrictions placed on family visits. He says his segregation is a breach of his rights.

In proceedings against the governor of Cloverhill, the Minister for Justice and the Attorney General, Dundon sought orders including one that he be transferred out of this block to an ordinary block within the mainstream prison. He also wanted to take part in structured activities for not less than five hours a day, five days a week.

Alternatively, he sought a transfer out of Cloverhill into an ordinary block of another prison. The State opposed the proceedings and argued that Dundon has no arguable case.